The latest episode of the Leadership Insurance Podcast features Matt Connolly, founder and CEO of Sonr, making his third appearance on the show as part of host Alex Bond's end-of-year review series.

Key takeaways from this episode:

🔄 Innovation is Decentralizing

Matt talks about seeing a fundamental shift across Sonr's global carrier clients, moving from central innovation teams to operational functions like claims owning their transformation.

📈 2025: The Comeback Year

After some tough years, capital is flowing back into InsurTech, IPOs are re-emerging, and the market is maturing with a more pragmatic approach to tech adoption.

Sonr’s Record growth in 2025

Matt thinks it’s down to market appetite for understanding the tech and innovation landscape.

🎯 Horizon One Focus

Matt’s take on 2025 as being mostly about "horizon one": applying technology to level up core business operations

AI innovation

AI is enabling previously unprofitable micro-insurance and niche products to become commercially viable and changing what's possible.

🌍 Global Learning Matters

From micro-insurance in Africa to climate resilience solutions, there's incredible value in looking beyond domestic borders and industries for innovation insights.

🚀 Looking Ahead to 2026

As Sonr approaches its 10-year anniversary, it’s refreshing to hear Matt share his honest reflections on building in insurance, describing Sonr as a "10-year overnight success" that's been "like pushing water up a hill" - a reality many founders will recognize.

Also, exciting to hear Matt talk about Sonr’s version 2.0 launch in January - an AI-powered platform democratizing market intelligence across the insurance ecosystem.

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In the latest episode of the Leadership in Insurance podcast, host Alex Bond sat down with Joe Zuk, Operating Partner at Altamont Capital Partners, for an insightful year-in-review discussion that captures the key moments in 2025.

Key themes explored:

Market Transitions and 2025 Dynamics

The conversation examines 2025 as a transitional year marked by shifts from hard to soft market conditions, the impact of the California wildfires, degradation in pricing following quiet catastrophe years, and a slowdown in private equity multiples.

Technology Reshaping Business Models

Joe and Alex explore how AI and technology are enabling lean, efficient operations: from small teams managing large businesses to the emergence of one-person MGA models and modular, bespoke insurance solutions.

The discussion highlights technology not as human versus machine, but as a tool allowing individuals and businesses to accomplish more.

The Relationship vs. Automation Debate

A thought-provoking examination of whether the future lies in self-service models or premium, high-touch experiences, and how the industry can maintain personalization and interpersonal connections as automation increases.

Innovation and Regulatory Evolution

The episode also explores opportunities for micro-insurance products, and the critical need for regulatory adaptation to support entrepreneurial innovation in the sector.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Joe predicts a year of micro-cycles with pockets of hard and soft markets, increased Insurtech and FinTech involvement, and greater investment in technology for data capture and utilization—all while preserving the industry's core strength: human relationships.

Listen now for essential insights on navigating the rapidly evolving Insurance landscape.

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Don't miss this insightful conversation between Alex Bond and Bryan Falchuk on The Leadership in Insurance Podcast, for the second in our series reflecting on 2025. With 25 years of industry experience, Bryan shares his optimistic outlook on where insurance is headed.

Key Takeaways:

💰 Smarter Capital, Stronger Companies The shift from easy funding to disciplined investment is transforming the industry.

Bryan points out that tighter funding conditions now promote better business practices and long-term sustainability. The result? More resilient companies built for the long haul.

🤖 AI as Expertise Amplifier Bryan emphasises AI isn't just about efficiency: it's about elevating capabilities. AI's true potential lies in enhancing expertise in risk selection, pricing, and claims management.

He highlights innovative solutions like Cytora and Kyber, demonstrating that targeted tech implementations often outperform wholesale overhauls.

👥 The Human Element Remains Critical Despite technological advances, Bryan and Alex discuss that insurance remains fundamentally a high-touch business.

Their biggest concern? Ensuring the industry doesn't lose the next generation of skilled professionals as AI handles routine tasks. Investment in training and reskilling isn't optional - it's essential.

☁️ Strategic Infrastructure Matters Bryan emphasises that the move to cloud isn't just a technical decision- t's a strategic imperative that requires creative leadership and empowered teams to drive real change.

A crucial insight from Bryan: "When money is tighter, people learn discipline." This principle applies not just to funding, but to how the industry approaches every investment- in technology, people, and the future.

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